MATCH REPORT; Norwalk SC 4 Madison 1

A disappointing start to the new season for the Celts as they slumped to a 4-1 home defeat against Norwalk Sports Colombia. A 12 man squad were available at the start of the game for the Celts in stark contrast to the 16 man squad for the visitors, a difference that would prove pivotal during the game, as the home side found themselves playing with 10 men for large parts of the second half.

The game started with the Norwalk side on the attack putting a somewhat sluggish Madison team on the back heels. It was clear from the outset that the visitors were up for the game but the Celts were not. Some poor passing, bad positioning and a fear of the ball put the Madison team at a big disadvantage. Having said that, Johnny B and Ronnie were fighting for every ball in the crowded midfield although they did not have too many options for an out ball. Leo injured his thigh early in the game and struggled throughout the first half while Kevin was at times stranded out on the right wing. As the half wore on Hulk and the defense were increasingly coming under pressure pulling of last minute saves and clearances. When the inevitable opening goal came it was a simple run through the middle of the field followed by an even simpler lobbed pass to the fast running striker who had the skill to control the ball and skim past Mike before giving Hulk no chance with the shot. One nil to the visitors and no one could argue a deserved lead at the break. Tom A was injured in the first half leaving the team with no subs and a limping Leo up front.
But the Celts started the second half with a bit more vim and vigor with more direct passing and a lot better ball control. A few more chances came up front with attempts by Kevin and Ruggero going narrowly wide. The increased hope that the Celts were getting back in the game was confirmed by  a superb goal from Roniildo who received the ball on the left, moved to the edge of the box and chipped a wonderful shot over the goalie for the equalizer.  The hope was short lived as the visitors stepped up a gear and managed to get themselves back in front with a great goal. Things went from bad to worse when Leo had to leave the field dropping the team to 10 men ( who said we had too big a squad?? ).  Of course no game would be complete without some intervention from the ref crew and so it turned out when first a penalty was awarded against debut boy Johnny I to make it 3-1 and then a final insult of a non offside call to give them Norwalk visitors a somewhat flattering 4-1 win.
The Celts learned the hard way that the first game of the season is no place to say hello to the ball again for the first time in several months. Hopefully this will blow away all the Winter cobwebs and we can get off to a better start at our first away game of the season against Cheshire.

MAN OF THE MATCH; Both Johnny B and Ruggero did a lot running and tackling in the middle of the field an The Hulk pulled off a number of great saves. Johnny I also had a good debut apart from the pen. But for his industry and cheeky goal the first MOM goes to Roniildo